Olympus XZ-1 Digital Camera

The Olympus XZ-1 Compact Digital Camera is the perfect choice for anyone keen to develop their photographic skills and boasts a bevy of functions to turn the most professional photographer green...
More

Assumed Exchange Rates

17 Reasons For

Expert Reviews Are Good

Camera expert review site Neocamera.com scored this camera 80 out of 100. This means that experts are not that keen on this Olympus camera.

Owner Reviews Are Excellent

People who bought this Olympus digital camera rated this digital camera as terrific on average. This puts this camera in the top 14% of all the cameras that were released more than two years ago when ranked by average owner review score.

Good Screen / Viewfinder

A few customers who bought the product agreed that it had a good screen. Five years ago Dr Koh said “The screen was fantastic even viewing in the sun” and gave the Olympus XZ-1 a rating of 5 stars. In the same month Hamilton414 wrote “The OLED screen is excellent, bright” in their review. Hamilton414 also wrote “It doesn't have a viewfinder and although the OLED screen is very good I would like to buy the add on EVF for very sunny conditions”.

One person said in their reviews that it had a good viewfinder. Three years ago Hustler mentioned on Amazon “A proper view finder would be good” in their review of this digital camera.

Read moreLess

Good Quality Lens

Some Olympus XZ-1 owners said in their reviews that it had a good lens. Ah-Uk said “The kids are going to lose out!The lens is remarkable”. Br. scored this digital camera 80 out of 100 and wrote “I would also like a convenient way for a lens hood to be attached or a close-up lens etc”. Casp mentioned “The lens is great” and scored it very highly.

A number of people who reviewed this digital camera concluded that it had a good autofocus. Gm wrote in their review of the Olympus XZ-1 on Amazon “Auto focus is rapid”. Laza wrote “The focus is usually quick and finds the relevant object” and rated the product as excellent. Sara Bunn said in her review of this digital camera on Amazon “I especially like the way the 1.8 lens gets a bitingly sharp subject and the background nicely out of focus”.

Several Olympus XZ-1 reviewers concluded that the product had a good zoom. Hamilton414 mentioned on Amazon five years ago “The 4x zoom is adequate for amateur needs” in their review. M. Gobel mentioned in their review of the Olympus XZ-1 on Amazon “Great all round lens, lovely wide angle shot whilst still giving a decent zoom, without the added bulk”. Max Eastwood mentioned in his Olympus XZ-1 review on Amazon “The XZ-1 still has ample zoom for everyday conditions”.

One person concluded that the product had a good image stabiliser. Four years ago Pauly B said on Amazon “Ideo good too with ery capable image stabilisation”.

Read moreLess

Good Quality Pictures

A number of Olympus XZ-1 reviewers who bought it thought it was able to produce good images. Amazon Customer wrote “For somebody, like me, who loves taking pictures of nature this was not good enough” in their review of this digital camera although they gave the product a rating of 60 out of 100. Amazon Customer also wrote “One has to practically touch the subject to get a good sized image”. Dr Koh scored the Olympus XZ-1 5 stars and wrote on Amazon “Colours on the picture we excellent and even on the laptop the pictures looks even better”.

A few people who purchased it thought it had a good picture resolution. Five years ago Andy Doss mentioned in his review of the Olympus XZ-1 “HOT PIXELS - not just little dead pixels, big red ones”. Guido wrote on Amazon also five years ago “Over 1fps of continuous shooting in RAW format (using a 30MB/s card”. Guido also wrote “While you're in the process of readjusting the time or aperture- Auto exposure seems to be thought to produce a decent result when shooting in JPEG mode; i.e”.

A number of Olympus XZ-1 reviewers who bought the product agreed that it was good in low light. Bomble gave the product a score of 4 stars and mentioned on Amazon “It excels indoors in low light; it produces wonderful atmospheric outdoor shots (albeit without a powerful zoom)”. Five years ago Hamilton414 mentioned “I also used the special low light setting in some naturally lit italian churches”.

A number of customers who purchased it concluded that it had a good ISO range. Jim Orr said “If only prints were required I would be happy to use a faster ISO” . Laza said on Amazon five years ago “Even in ISO 400 there's some noticeable noise”. In the same month Neocamera.com mentioned “Good high ISO capability for a small-sensor camera” in their Olympus XZ-1 review.

A number of customers wrote in their reviews that the Olympus XZ-1 had a good image sensor. M. N. Akhtar said four years ago “Big less dens compact sensor is XZ-1” in their review and rated it 5 stars. R. Davidge wrote on Amazon “The quality of the lens and sensor is so good that one would not know that maximum zoom is digital (not available in i-auto mode”.

Read moreLess

Good Size

Some Olympus XZ-1 reviewers agreed that it was compact. Ah-Uk mentioned in their Olympus XZ-1 review five years ago “Like many people, I have bought several compact cameras to compliment my DSLR”. B mentioned on Amazon “You can do a lot more than an average compact” in their review of the Olympus XZ-1. Br. said “A realy useful compact camera with a good lens” and scored this digital camera 4 stars.

A few customers who purchased it concluded that it was a good depth. Kevin O'keefe said in his review five years ago “The ability to adjust focal lengths gives pleasing differences to the depth of the pictures”. Sam said on Amazon “The XZ-1 takes some beautiful photographs, providing a vast amount of detail and a depth in colour! Would highly recommend this camera to photography newcomers like myself” in his review.

One customer reckoned that the Olympus XZ-1 was lightweight. Five years ago Laza wrote on Amazon “Great lens, professional image quality in good light, art filters, lightweight, high build qualityWhat's not so good” in their Olympus XZ-1 review.

One Olympus XZ-1 reviewer thought the Olympus XZ-1 was a good body shape. M. N. Akhtar mentioned in their review of this digital camera four years ago “Olympus XZ-1 is quite good at what it offers in small body and a bright sharp lens” .

One Olympus XZ-1 reviewer concluded that it was good structurally. Tallpete33 gave it a score of 4 stars and mentioned four years ago “The construction is solid”.

Read moreLess

+12 More reasons for

Good Product Quality

A few customers who bought the Olympus XZ-1 agreed that it was good quality. B said “A compact camera with a very high quality lens” in their review. Grover Netzer scored the product 80 out of 100 and he said “Great upgrade from P&S with super image quality” in his Olympus XZ-1 review. Grover Netzer also said “I bought the XZ-1 because it had the best combination of image quality, handling and price”.

Easy to Use

Fourteen Olympus XZ-1 reviewers who reviewed this digital camera wrote that it was easy to use. Bomble wrote “It has been a real pleasure to use” in their review of the Olympus XZ-1 and scored it 80 out of 100. Casp wrote four years ago “Has bought this camera to use when I want to be able to carry a camera in my pocket” in their review of the Olympus XZ-1. Casp also said “However, I often miss this camera because it is simply fun to use (the art filters)”.

A few people reckoned that the product was easy to use the menus. Gm said “The menus are straightforward to navigate” in their review of this digital camera and gave the product a rating of 5 stars. Hamilton414 gave the product a rating of 80 out of 100 and said “This was too sensitive and made the interiors too bright so I had to revert to the 'iauto' setting! The range of menu settings is impressive”. M. Gobel said on Amazon “The control ring around the lens is a brilliant way to change settings whilst shooting”.

Several people wrote in their reviews that it was comfortable and easy to hold. Bomble mentioned “The video quality is poor; the camera struggles to hold focus resulting in continuous adjustments that can render the video unwatchable” in their review of this digital camera and gave this digital camera a score of 4 stars. Guido wrote in their review of this digital camera on Amazon “The front (and way more comfortable) wheel adjusts the aperture, while the rear one adjusts the time”.

One Olympus XZ-1 reviewer who reviewed the Olympus XZ-1 said that it had a good experience. Geoffrey J. mentioned “Anyone with this camera and just enough experience to use two of its special effects could have had as much fun as me”.

One Olympus XZ-1 owner thought it was easy to handle.

Read moreLess

Nice Design

Some Olympus XZ-1 reviewers who purchased this digital camera reckoned that it was good looking. Geoffrey J. mentioned on Amazon “They all look so beautiful in coarse grain effect black” in his review of this digital camera. Hamilton414 said “The XZ 1 is cheaper than the good looking Lumix DMC-LX5 and new Fuji X10” in their review of the Olympus XZ-1. Three years ago Jens Erik Bech said “You stood in front of beautiful sceneries” in their review of the Olympus XZ-1 and gave it a rating of 5 stars.

One Olympus XZ-1 reviewer said in their reviews that it was smooth. Five years ago Peter Piper wrote “Initially it is a little unnerving since the lid is smooth and moves slightly (because when the flash is used” and rated this digital camera 5 stars.

Read moreLess

Robust

A number of customers wrote that it was well made. Five years ago Hamilton414 mentioned on Amazon “The cameras outer case is mainly metal and feels solid” in their review of the Olympus XZ-1 and scored the product 4 stars. Hamilton414 also mentioned “I just liked the classy look and solid feel of the Olympus”. Kerrygold71 scored the Olympus XZ-1 5 stars and mentioned on Amazon “The build quality is very good, seems solid and very well made” in their Olympus XZ-1 review.

Some customers who reviewed the Olympus XZ-1 reckoned that it was reliable. Andy Doss mentioned “If you want your camera to be a reliable tool - FORGET THIS ONE!SENSOR DUST - After 8 months this camera is unusable because the uncleanable sensor is so dust-ridden” . Gm said in their review of the Olympus XZ-1 “Inspiring and reliable” . Five years ago Dcresource.com wrote in their Olympus XZ-1 review “Reliable autofocus”.

A few Olympus XZ-1 reviewers who bought the product concluded that it was strong and durable. Bomble mentioned in their Olympus XZ-1 review on Amazon four years ago “As long as you don't care about using this for video it's a fantastic all-rounder that can replace a DSLR in many circumstances and is small enough to go anywhere” and rated the Olympus XZ-1 80 out of 100. Laza mentioned “The camera feels sturdy, still elegant” in their review of this digital camera and scored the product 5 stars.

Two customers who purchased it considered that it was easy to damage or scratch. Gm rated the product as very good and mentioned “I think it might be quite easy to scratch it”. L. Richardson scored it 4 stars and said “With a holiday coming up very quick I needed a quick replacement to my broken”.

Read moreLess

Good Technical Features

A number of Olympus XZ-1 owners considered that the product had good features. Hamilton414 wrote “Accessing some of the advanced features and options though the menu isn't easy” in their review of the Olympus XZ-1 and gave it a score of 4 stars. Sam mentioned “The ease of use is making it easy to learn the more advanced features this camera has to offer”. Truck said on Amazon four years ago “Have to say the camera is outstanding in terms of features, manual control”.

Olympus Has Good Reviews for Its Digital Cameras

Olympus is one of the superior camera brands according to average user and expert reviews, and Olympus also has good ratings for its digital cameras.

Chart

Good Video Capture

Six people wrote in their reviews that this digital camera was good for video recording. Three years ago Jens Erik Bech said “It is OK as supplement video to the photos.” in their review of this digital camera. Jens Erik Bech also wrote “The photos will make You forget video! Thats a good achievement for a Photo camera”. Jim Orr gave it a score of 4 stars and he said in his review on Amazon five years ago “Overall I am pleased with this camera and would have given it maximum marks if the video function had been better”.

Good Battery Life

Some Olympus XZ-1 reviewers wrote in their reviews that the Olympus XZ-1 had a good battery life. Five years ago Jim Orr wrote in his Olympus XZ-1 review on Amazon “The battery life is adequate for a days use or more”. Kerrygold71 mentioned on Amazon four years ago “It takes perfect photos time after time after time, battery life is perfect”. Max Eastwood scored the Olympus XZ-1 5 stars and he said on Amazon “The battery lasts a good length of time for a day of photography too”.

Good Flash

Three customers who bought this digital camera considered that it had a good flash.

Good Support

A few Olympus XZ-1 owners considered that the Olympus XZ-1 had good technical guidance. Grover Netzer wrote in his review of this digital camera four years ago “This camera has so many functions, that reading the full PDF manual is essential”. Hamilton414 said “The lens cap can be knocked off easily and no paper manual”.

Supports One ISO Speed

The Olympus XZ-1 has a greater number of ISO speeds than most comparable spec cameras that have been around for around the same time as it. The most frequently supported ISO speed is 8,000, but this ISO speed is not supported by this digital camera. The ISO speeds Auto: ISO 100 - 800 are also supported by this Olympus camera.

ChartEdit

13 Reasons Against

Unacceptable Noise Level

Three people concluded that the Olympus XZ-1 was not noisy. Laza wrote “In JPG mode this noise is blurred which results in blotchy dark areas” in their Olympus XZ-1 review. Laza also said “Poor battery life, visible noise at low light, some controls are hard to reach, slow preview mode, only in-camera charging possibilityFinal word”. M. N. Akhtar said “With considerably shallow depth of field and noisy shutter sound (which is not ideal for street or candid photography” in their review of this digital camera but in spite of that they rated it 5 stars.

Does Not Have an Image Stabiliser

Like most of the other comparable spec cameras that have been available for a similar time to the XZ-1, the Olympus XZ-1 does not have an image stabiliser.

We think you might also be interested in other digital cameras which also have an image stabiliser including the Sony DSC-HX200V.

Read moreLessChartEdit

Does Not Support Full HD Video

The Olympus XZ-1 does not support Full HD video, although it is worth keeping in mind that most of the other comparable spec digital cameras that have been on the market for around the same time as the XZ-1 also do not support Full HD video.

It is worth also looking at alternative digital cameras which also support Full HD video including the Sony DSC-HX200V which is also higher rated.

Read moreLessChartEdit

Does Not Support WiFi Connectivity

Like most of the other cameras of a similar type and age to the XZ-1, the Olympus XZ-1 does not support WiFi connectivity.

Other digital cameras which also support WiFi connectivity that you might want to look at include the Sony DSC-QX30.

Read moreLessChartEdit

+10 More reasons against

Does Not Support Video Recording

The Olympus XZ-1 does not support video recording. Most of the other digital cameras that have been available for more than two years also do not support video recording.

ChartEdit

Does Not Have a Built-In Flash

The Olympus XZ-1 does not have a built-in flash, although it is worth noting that most of the other cameras of this age and type also do not have a built-in flash.

We compared all the other cameras which also have a built-in flash to this digital camera and we think the Sony DSC-HX200V which also has a higher rating is also worth considering.

Read moreLessChartEdit

Not Waterproof

Most similar spec cameras that have been on the market for more than two years are not waterproof. The Olympus XZ-1 is no exception to this as it too is not waterproof.

ChartEdit

Not 3D Compatible

Most digital cameras of this age and spec are not 3D compatible. The Olympus XZ-1 is no exception to this as it too is not 3D compatible.

ChartEdit

Does Not Have a GPS

Most cameras of a comparable age and type to the XZ-1 do not have a GPS. The Olympus XZ-1 is no exception to this as it too does not have a GPS.

Other cameras which also have a GPS that you might want to consider include the Sony DSC-HX200V which also has a higher rating.

Read moreLessChartEdit

Only 3648 X 2736 Pixels Maximum Image Resolution

The Olympus XZ-1 has a 3648 x 2736 pixels maximum image resolution which is higher than most cameras that have been around for around the same time as it. Most digital cameras of a comparable type and age to it have a 5184 x 3888 pixels maximum image resolution. Cameras of this type and age maximum image resolutions range from 640 x 480 pixels (worst) to 8256 x 6192 pixels (best).

ChartEdit

Only Auto Focus

This camera has an Autofocus & manual focus, which is the most commonly found focus on digital cameras that have been available for a similar time to it.

ChartEdit

Only Has One White Balance Mode

The Olympus XZ-1 has a greater number of white balance modes than most cameras that are a similar age to it. The most commonly found white balance mode is Auto, but this white balance mode is not found on this Olympus camera. The white balance modes Tungsten, Fluorescent 1, Fluorescent 2, Sunlight, Flash, Overcast, Shade, Under Water Auto are also found on this Olympus digital camera.

ChartEdit

Only Has One Light Exposure Mode

The Olympus XZ-1 has a greater number of light exposure modes than most digital cameras that are a comparable age to it. The most commonly found light exposure mode is Shutter priority AE, but this light exposure mode is not found on this camera. The light exposure modes Programme automatic, Shutter priority, Aperture priority, Manual, i-Auto, Scene Modes, Movie, Art Filter, Custom shooting, Low light are also found on this digital camera.

ChartEdit

1 Other reason to consider the Olympus XZ-1

Released Over Four Years Ago

It was over four years ago when this camera was released.

Specification

Picture Quality

Image Stabiliser

No

Sensor Type

No

Optical Sensor Size

No

Maximum Image Resolution

3648 x 2736

Image Format

RAW

Aspect Ratio

4:3, 3:2, 16:9

Design

Waterproof

No

Colour

No

Lens System

Focal Length Range

6.0 - 24.0

Focusing

Focus

Auto, Manual

Light Exposure

Light Exposure Mode

Auto, Shutter priority, Aperture priority, Manual, Auto

ISO Speed

Auto, 80, 100, 800

Video

Full HD Video

No

Maximum Video Resolution

1280 x 720

Video Format

AVI

Audio

Audio Format

WAV

Memory

Memory Card

WAV

Display

Ports & Interfaces

Camera

3D Compatible

No

GPS

No

White Balance Mode

Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Shade, Auto, Underwater

Photo Effect

Art

Self-Timer

2

Weight & Dimensions

Battery

Battery

Lithium

Packaging Content

Bundled Software

Viewer 2 & [ib] Image Management

Networking

WiFi Connectivity

No

Other Features

Video Recording

No

Built-In Flash

No

Interface

- USB 2.0

Dimension

64.8 x 110.6 x 42.3

Aperture Range

1.8 - 2.5

Camera Shutter Speed Range

60 - 1/2000

Technical Details

Continuous Shooting Speed (max)

7

User Reviews

Superb bit of kit - only thing stopping it getting a 5 star review is the lack of any instruction manual. I hate having to trawl through an online PDF. Also a shame that you can't recharge... Read more…

This is a nice camera, the large 1/7 sensor gives good definition pictures very noticeable improvement on 1/2.3. The zoom length covers the most used focal lengths. Pictures are very saturated... Read more…

You finally dropped the iPhone as picture-source of Your vacations. You stood in front of beautiful sceneries, and You dreamt of taking them home. But the iPhone could not make the landscapes... Read more…

I was looking for a camera for a long time and this being my first camera I had to get the balance between ease of use and picture quality! This camera is fantastic, simple to use and the ease of... Read more…

I have only just received it today and my initial impressions are very favourable. It is a quality build. I was unsure about the digital zoom, but the quality of the lens and sensor is so good... Read more…

There are plenty of expert reviews on this camera both here and on specialist sites. I'm just going to note my highlights. I concur that, having owned it for a year now, it has been a real... Read more…